# Help me get addicted to a new series **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 6, 2011, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081 "2011-07-06T19:51:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2012, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/101 "2012-07-05T20:53:25Z")
Two British series I love are “Midsomer Murders” and “A Touch of Frost.” I’ll add “Poirot” to the list as well. A lot of great series have been mentioned above, but very few that predate the 1990s. “Danger: UXB” was a superb '70s series about wartime Britain. (More of a mini-series, actually, but who cares?) “Fawlty Towers” is one of the funniest sitcoms ever. Only a dozen episodes were produced in the '70s, but they’re classics. “The Avengers,” “Danger Man”/“Secret Agent,” “The Prisoner,” “The Saint,” all from the 1960s. “The Persuaders,” from the early '70s, which unfortunately ran for only one season. “The Fugitive,” “The Man from UNCLE,” “The Wild, Wild West,” “Batman,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Combat!” all from the 1960s. I’d add “The Gallant Men,” but it only ran for one season and I don’t know if it’s available on DVD. “The Time Tunnel,” “12 O’Clock High,” and “The Rat Patrol” I would also buy if I could. “Get Smart,” “Hogan’s Heroes,” “McHale’s Navy,” “Hennesy,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Green Acres,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Gomer Pyle, USMC,” and “The Dick van Dyke Show,” all great comedies from the 1960s. “The Jack Benny Program,” from the '50s. The original “The Untouchables,” with Robert Stack as Eliot Ness (1959–63). The first five seasons of “Bewitched” and the first three seasons of “That Girl.” The original “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “The Outer Limits,” and “The Twilight Zone.” All later versions are pale imitations. Plus the British version of “Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected.” The first three seasons of “Hill Street Blues.” All of “Lou Grant,” “St. Elsewhere,” and “LA Law.” “Crime Story” from the '80s, though it went downhill rapidly after the first season. The same for “Twin Peaks.” The first three seasons of “Miami Vice.” The original “Dallas” and “Dynasty,” though the latter is now pure camp. All episodes of “Columbo.” I also quite liked “Hart to Hart” in the early '80s. Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers never looked better. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2012, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/102 "2012-07-05T21:02:51Z")
Forgot “F Troop,” “Maverick,” “The Rockford Files,” “Gunsmoke,” “The Rifleman,” and “Have Gun, Will travel.” ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2012, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/103 "2012-07-05T21:24:47Z")
Farscape- Very inventive and character driven sci fi show with good special effects, it focuses much more on characters than Trek and while it does have a ongoing plot its not intricate and easy enough to follow without a notepad. It has a lot of humor and charm, lots of wit and the occasional gross out. Four seasons and a finale movie, never feels stale. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2012, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/104 "2012-07-05T21:37:32Z")
We’ve watched a few more since this thread was started. I definitely second earlier recommendations for _Mad Men_ and _Homicide_. Homicide is kind or pre-Wire the Wire. Not as good since it is only about the cops, but far better than average. _The Prisoner_ while great didn’t quite make it to four seasons. But if you watch Secret Agent you will know why Drake/Number 6 resigned. McGoohan claimed Number 6 was not Drake, but that was for business reasons - it is quite clear they are one and the same, including Drake saying “Be seeing you.” \*Have Gun will Travel \* ran so long that watching it is more of a career than a hobby, but it is great fun. In Season 4 or so Paladin helps Phileas Fogg on his trip around the world. We started rewatching Colombo, but gave up. When you watch them right after one another, the scaffolding shows. The shows are all the same - the only things that are different are the murder method and the talent of the rich and/or famous murderer. ---
**Author:** ![DragonAsh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2012, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/105 "2012-07-06T07:54:35Z")
Rescue Me - oh dear god no. I watched a season and a half before realizing (belatedly) that it was a massive, steaming pile of dog poo. Great premise, great first couple of episodes and moments here and there, but otherwise it’s complete and utter rubbish? If you want to watch a TV series about a divorced dad with kids who’s good at his job but a bit of a dick with a drinking problem and an ex-wife that does/doesn’t want him back depending on the mood etc etc, go watch The Wire or the fifteen other TV shows & movies that have had that character and do it better. And if there’s anything I hate more it’s TV shows that will force characters in the show to completely change personality purely because the writers were too damned lazy to figure out another way to get the plot from point A to B (and yes, I’m looking at you, _24)_. Don’t waste your time. The Wire and Breaking Bad are all you’ll need for a while. ---
**Author:** ![I-VI-ii-V](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c89c15/32.png) [@I-VI-ii-V](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I-VI-ii-V)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2012, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/106 "2012-07-10T06:49:28Z")
“Luther” (BBC, but both seasons stream on Netflix) with Idris Elba is one of the best series I’ve seen recently. I tore through all ten episodes. I’m sure it had absolutely nothing to do with [Ruth Wilson](http://www.google.com/search?q=ruth+wilson&hl=en&safe=off&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvnsol&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Ss_7T5KeBdDW2wWUy_z_Bg&ved=0CD8Q_AUoAQ&biw=1266&bih=602)… “Damages” with Glenn Close and Rose Byrne is starting its fifth and final season this week on DirecTV’s own channel. The first three seasons were great and the fourth is good. Looking forward to the new seasons of “Breaking Bad” and “Dexter”. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2012, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/107 "2012-07-10T11:58:23Z")
I’m currently obsessing about **Sherlock** on BBC and DVD. It’s just got something special. StG ---
**Author:** ![Adastra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@Adastra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Adastra)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2012, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/108 "2012-07-10T13:41:54Z")
**Damages** is indeed very good. \*\* Homeland \*\*is amazing, although only one season so far. There was a spin off for \*\*Criminal Intent \*\*that only lasted one season. And \*\*Pretty Little Liars. \*\* **Alias** ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2012, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/109 "2012-07-11T00:01:12Z")
> [@Saltire](#): > > For a few shorter, but excellent, British series (if you can get a hold of them): > > [ul] > [li] **Misfits** –Two short seasons with another on the way this fall. About a group of teens doing community service for petty crimes that end up with superpowers. [/li][/ul] > > Another one that’s hard to get, and only has one season so far, is the Canadian show **Lost Girl**. About the intrigue of the Fae in the modern world. The main character is a succubus who grew up thinking she was human. Seconding both of these series’ - I adore both of them (we watched the second season of “Lost Girl” this year - it was just as good as the first season). I bought the first two seasons of “Misfits” off of iTunes - what an insane, profane, entertaining show. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2012, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/110 "2012-07-12T02:30:36Z")
We’re watching the second season of _Peep Show_ now. A brilliant series. ---
**Author:** ![TrisCarr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@TrisCarr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TrisCarr)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2012, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/111 "2012-07-12T17:56:11Z")
Not sure if anyone has said it yet, and to my apologies if someone has, but _Prison Break_ is absolutely **great.** ---
**Author:** ![ASanders](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asanders/32/3367_2.png) [@ASanders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASanders)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2012, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/112 "2012-07-12T18:47:36Z")
Looks like I’m going to have to try **Breaking Bad** again. I watched a few but it didn’t grab me. Wonder what’s wrong with me? I just finished **Big Love** over several weeks and thoroughly enjoyed that. No one’s mentioned **Oz,** though, which I have heard good things about. I’m just now watching the first ep, and wonder if I should stay with it. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2012, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/113 "2012-07-12T19:00:07Z")
> [@ASanders](#): > > Looks like I’m going to have to try **Breaking Bad** again. I watched a few but it didn’t grab me. Wonder what’s wrong with me? > > I just finished **Big Love** over several weeks and thoroughly enjoyed that. No one’s mentioned **Oz,** though, which I have heard good things about. I’m just now watching the first ep, and wonder if I should stay with it. Oz was great for at least 3 seasons then it started to go over the top. Everyone seems to have a different point when they think it turned into a prison soap opera, but at some point they ran out of ideas. Worth watching the first few seasons though. The first two in particular were great. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2012, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/114 "2012-08-15T03:54:33Z")
After finishing the latest season of _Mad Men_, we’ve finally begun the first season of _Dexter_. We were a little wary of it, as we’re not fans of gore. But it’s a lot less gory than we’d feared. It’s actually really very good. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2012, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/115 "2012-10-24T03:34:45Z")
The wife and I are now on the second season of _Ideal_. Very good. A small-time drug dealer on the dole in the Manchester, England area. Stars [Johnny Vegas](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Vegas), who my British friend who is loaning us the DVDs tells me is very popular in Blighty. Among other things, he appears to be a skilled ceramist. ---
**Author:** ![goldmund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a4c791/32.png) [@goldmund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/goldmund)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2012, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/116 "2012-10-26T00:58:56Z")
I recently discovered [The West Wing](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_West_Wing). I’m still on season one, but it’s definitely keeping me company while I pine for Breaking Bad’s return. ETA: Not sure if they’ve been mentioned yet, but [Hell on Wheels](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_on_Wheels_(TV_series)) and [Boardwalk Empire](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boardwalk_empire) are excellent. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2012, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/117 "2012-10-26T02:30:41Z")
> [@grude](#): > > Farscape- > > Very inventive and character driven sci fi show with good special effects, it focuses much more on characters than Trek and while it does have a ongoing plot its not intricate and easy enough to follow without a notepad. It has a lot of humor and charm, lots of wit and the occasional gross out. > > Four seasons and a finale movie, never feels stale. Seconded, I break out my box set about once a year and go on a Farscape bender. ---
**Author:** ![Wiseguy70005](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b19c9b/32.png) [@Wiseguy70005](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wiseguy70005)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2012, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/118 "2012-10-28T21:17:43Z")
> [@goldmund](#): > > I recently discovered [The West Wing](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_West_Wing). I’m still on season one, but it’s definitely keeping me company while I pine for Breaking Bad’s return. > > ETA: Not sure if they’ve been mentioned yet, but [Hell on Wheels](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_on_Wheels_(TV_series)) and [Boardwalk Empire](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boardwalk_empire) are excellent. The second season of The West Wing is the best from start to finish. ---
**Author:** ![Wiseguy70005](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b19c9b/32.png) [@Wiseguy70005](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wiseguy70005)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2012, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/119 "2012-10-28T22:03:54Z")
[quote=“Noodles\_Fellicini, post:18, topic:588081”] MI-5, apparently nicknamed Spooks in Britain. I liked the shows you listed and I loved this. Backwards. The original title in Britain was Spooks, it was renamed MI-5 in America to avoid confusion with America’s nickname for the CIA. ---
**Author:** ![Hottius\_Maximus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3ab097/32.png) [@Hottius\_Maximus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hottius_Maximus)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2012, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081/120 "2012-10-30T03:32:50Z")
I haven’t read all the posts here so forgive me if I am echoing somebody else. My wife and I love to watch “Mad Men” episodes on DVD. I’ll also suggest “WKRP In Cincinnati” but sadly I think much of the music that was a part of that show has been dubbed over due to expired copyright laws. Oh well, the show is still damn funny. I also liked the original “Hawaii 5-0” starring Jack Lord. Have you investigated “The Rockford Files” yet? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-addicted-to-a-new-series/588081.md?page=7)